Opinion

No reason for President Higgins to retire

When Michael D Higgins was elected as the ninth president of Ireland in 2011, he indicated that it was his intention to serve a single seven-year term as head of state.

However, as we reported yesterday, he has now suggested during an official visit to the US that he has an open mind on the possibility of running for the office again in 2018.

Mr Higgins, who is 74, has been a highly impressive first citizen to date, and has represented the country with distinction both at home and abroad.

If he remains as healthy and focused as he is today, he plainly still has a huge contribution to make and there is absolutely no reason why he should be considering retirement.